How do I put my Contacts In and How do I take them Out?

Contact lenses are a very popular alternative to glasses, but as they need to be placed, by means of a finger, directly on to your eye, their application and removal can be a cause for concern to anyone making use of them for the first time. While you do have to be careful when using your contacts, with some clear instruction you should be able to find yourself comfortable with them in no time.

Buying contact lenses

Contact lenses are usually obtained either from an optician’s or from the internet, the latter having the advantage of being cheaper, while the former means that should you have any trouble you can get quality after sale care. Either way, you should have a discussion with your optician to determine your suitability for contacts and which type of lens will suit you next.

Putting your contact lenses in

To put your contact lenses in you will need your contacts, a disinfecting solution (available from your optician), and a comfortable flat surface to use. Many people prefer to put their contacts in near a sink and hence do so in the toilet, but location is purely up to you and what you feel comfortable with.

The first step is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry your hands with a towel rather than a paper towel or tissue paper as these can leave fragments on your hand.

Clean your contacts in the disinfecting solution provided.

Make sure you use the right contact lens for the right eye – often different eyes will have different prescriptions.

Then place a contact lens on your index finger. You should probably use your dominant hand as this will be the steadiest.

Use your other hand to raise your eyelid and pull down on the skin underneath your eye, this opens your eye up for the contact lens to be placed on your eye with ease.

When done, close your eyes and look up and down. This allows your contact lens to effectively stick to where it should be. When you open your eye the contact should be in place and feel comfortable.

Repeat the process with the other side.

If using monthly contacts for instance, drain the case of any disinfecting solution.

Make sure to wash your hands afterwards as well.

Taking contacts out

Begin again by washing your hands thoroughly with soap, using a dry towel afterwards.

Take your contact lens case and fill it up with your disinfecting solution until it is about half full. If you use disposable daily lenses, then you don’t need to complete this step as you will discard these lenses after their removal.

Pull up your eyelid and pull down on the skin underneath your eye to open up your eye.

Carefully remove your contact lens and place it in the palm of your hand.

Rinse off your contact lens with some disinfectant solution and gently rub it with a finger to remove anything on the surface.

After cleaning the lens, place it in its case and close the lid.

Repeat the process with your other contact.

Following these instructions and maintaining good hygiene while putting in or removing contact lenses will ensure that your eyes stay healthy and happy. You will be able to feel comfortable with your contacts, and more importantly, be aware of anything out of the ordinary that you should take to a GP or optician as a concern.